NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has named a 20-player squad for State of Origin Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium.
NSW Blues State of Origin Game 2 squad
Josh Addo-Carr
Nathan Cleary
Damien Cook
Angus Crichton
Dale Finucane
Campbell Graham
Payne Haas
Api Koroisau
Jarome Luai
Liam Martin
Latrell Mitchell
Cameron Murray
Junior Paulo
Daniel Saifiti
Tariq Sims
James Tedesco (c)
Brian To’o
Tom Trbojevic
Jack Wighton
Isaah Yeo
With Jake Trbojevic unavailable with a hip injury, Fittler has brought in both the Panthers’ Angus Crichton, who missed the series opener through suspension, and the Storm’s Dale Finucane. However, Payne Haas is widely tipped to be promoted to starting prop, after being named among the reserves in Townsville.
Should Finucane be picked, the in-form lock would add to his four representative jerseys, having played across each of the last two series.
Other than that, Fittler has stuck true with the side that pummelled Queensland 50-6 in Game 1. Liam Martin has been retained despite limited minutes in the thumping win.
The Blues will announce a full line-up during the week, ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash at Suncorp Stadium. The squad is set to travel to Kingscliff on Monday, to avoid any potential hiccups caused by Sydney’s recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Muzz
Guest
Great squad, Freddy is a lucky man.
Albo
Roar Rookie
But alas, Freddy has gone with Paulo to start in lieu of Jurbo, with the bench of Haas, Crichton, Martin & Wighton. Minimal change, which I think is best. Both Crichton & Martin can play any role for middle forward , edge forward to outside backs at a pinch.
Rod
Guest
Sims didn’t really come into the game until we got on top , didn’t really notice him that much until 15mins into the game
Albo
Roar Rookie
Freddy does have plenty of options. But his prime focus should be on controlling the QLD pack especially their front row. I'd start with Haas (or Finucane) in the front row. The rest of the starting team unchanged. I would have both Martin & Crichton on the bench ( to cover middle, edge forward or centre spots if required) , along with Finucane & Paulo. I would leave out Wighton as surplus to requirements. If a half goes down Murray, Turbo or Teddy can slot in.
Tony
Roar Guru
I would bring Finucane in for Jurbo, Crichton for Sims, Sims out of the 18. I know Sims had a good game in origin 1, but he's not half the player Crichton is.
eels47
Roar Rookie
I think Finucane should come straight into the run on side for Jurbo. They play a similar style and he seems a good replacement. Leave Haas and Paulo on the bench to keep things rolling after 25 minutes, Finucane on the bench seems a waste as I don't think he adds any impact. Unfortunately that leaves either Crichton or Martin out of the team. Crichton would have been a certainty for game 1 if not suspended and Martin did enough not to be dropped. In all honesty I think it should be Sims who misses out. Not because of game 1, where he was great, but because I think he is most likely to not aim up again from the three mentioned. That sounds harsh, but I think that is the best way forward.
Paul
Roar Guru
A form squad that almost picks itself. Poor Freddy having to choose between Crighton & Finucane? I'm sure Paul Greene would kill for that sort of choice, especially in the centres
Crow
Roar Pro
Haas as lock could be a sensation. He has a big engine and can play eighty minutes. He is solid in defence and for a big man has a quick play the ball.